Shortcut Lasagne
A quick and hearty lasagne with seasoned meat, creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella, perfect for a comforting family dinner with rich tomato flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, water, and spaghetti sauce to the meat and simmer briefly.
- In a 9 x 13-inch pan, layer meat sauce, uncooked lasagne noodles, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and the rest of the sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover lightly with foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour until bubbly and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using no-boil lasagne noodles, which eliminate the need for pre-cooking. You can also substitute ricotta for cottage cheese for a creamier texture. Adding spinach or zucchini can enhance the nutritional value, making it a great option for those looking for a veggie boost. If you're short on time, use jarred sauce like Quick-Easy Spaghetti Sauce to speed things up.
Serving Suggestions
This Shortcut Lasagne pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Caprese salad or a light vegetable medley. For a heartier option, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a warm, crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved on medium power for about 2-3 minutes. Freezing is an option; wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shortcut Lasagne contains roughly 449 calories, with 39g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (78% of the Daily Value), calcium (72% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1101mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagne ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagne a day in advance, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. This is a great way to save time for a busy weeknight meal.
Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to hamburger in this recipe. It will provide a similar texture while reducing the fat content. Just be sure to season the turkey well, as it can be milder in flavor than beef.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes as a substitute. Just blend them for a smoother consistency if desired. Additionally, you could use a flavored pasta sauce for an extra kick, like a marinara or even a Quick Fix Spaghetti Dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).